RANDOLPH COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE

4.7.1 Policy

It is the policy of the Randolph County Detention Center to maintain practices that ensure the safe, secure, and controlled housing of special management detainees. The facility shall also enforce a zero-tolerance standard for sexual abuse and sexual harassment, ensuring the protection, dignity, and rights of all detainees.

4.7.2 Definition

Special Management Detainees:
 

Detainees who are separated from the general population and housed in a secure setting for one or more of the following reasons:

1. Administrative segregation

2. Disciplinary action (post-hearing or emergency situations)

3. Behavioral observation (including medical or mental health concerns)

4.7.3 Procedures Special Management Housing

A. Conditions of Confinement
 

The Administrator shall establish criteria to ensure that special management detainees retain the following rights and privileges, consistent with safety and security:

1. Exercise

2. Personal hygiene

3. Mail access

4. Clothing (except where removed for safety, such as self-harm prevention)

5. Bedding

6. Food service

7. Health care services

8. Access to courts and legal counsel

B. Visitation

1. Detainees in disciplinary lockdown may be denied regular visitation privileges, except for attorney and clergy visits.

2. Detainees placed in lockdown for administrative or observation purposes shall be afforded visitation unless otherwise restricted by the Administrator.

C. Safety Measures

1. Staff shall remove any items that could be used for self-harm from cells of detainees who are mentally ill, intoxicated, or combative.

2. Staff shall secure appropriate backup prior to entering any lockdown cell.

D. Review of Status

1. The Administrator shall review all special management placements at least every seven (7) days.

2. Detainees placed under observation shall not be released until evaluated and cleared by qualified medical or mental health professionals.

E. Documentation and Logs

A log shall be maintained for all special management detainees and include:

1. Date and time of placement and release

2. Professional visits

3. Observations and supervision

4. Medical and psychological services provided

5. Unusual events and actions taken

4.7.4 Special Conditions & Observation Requirements

A. Suicidal or At-Risk Detainees

1. Must be visually observed at least every fifteen (15) minutes.

2. Medical staff shall be notified immediately.

B. Intoxicated or Incapacitated Detainees

1. Shall be placed in a designated detoxification cell.

2. Must be observed at least every fifteen (15) minutes.

3. Medical staff shall be notified to provide appropriate care.

C. Withdrawal Monitoring
 

Detainees experiencing drug or alcohol withdrawal shall be:

1. Observed at least every fifteen (15) minutes

2. Referred to medical staff for evaluation and treatment

D. Pregnant Detainees
 

Medical staff shall be notified immediately upon admission if a detainee reports or appears to be pregnant.

E. Victims of Sexual Assault

Any detainee who has been sexually assaulted shall:

1. Receive immediate medical care

2. Be reported to the Chief Jail Administrator, Sheriff, and Chief Deputy

F. Violent or Combative Detainees
 

May be restrained when necessary to:

1. Prevent self-harm

2. Protect staff or other detainees

3. Maintain order and security

All restraints shall be applied in accordance with use-of-force policies and monitored for safety.

4.7.5 Procedures – Sexual Abuse Reporting & Response

A. Mandatory Reporting

1. All employees are mandatory reporters.

2. Staff shall immediately report any knowledge, suspicion, or allegation of sexual abuse or harassment.

3. Reports may be made through the chain of command or directly to the Administrator or Sheriff.

4. Allegations involving staff must be reported directly to the Administrator or Sheriff.

5. Information shall only be shared on a need-to-know basis.

B. Immediate Response
 

Upon receiving a report:

1. Ensure the safety of the victim

2. Separate the victim from the alleged perpetrator

3. Secure and preserve the crime scene

4. Advise the victim not to bathe, change clothes, brush teeth, or use the restroom

5. Notify appropriate investigative personnel immediately

C. Victim Services

1. Victims shall receive immediate access to medical and mental health care

2. Staff shall provide reassurance and ensure protection from retaliation

3. No disciplinary action shall be taken against victims for reporting abuse

D. Staff Misconduct

1. Staff suspected of sexual abuse shall be placed on administrative leave pending investigation

2. Substantiated cases shall result in termination

3. Cases shall be referred to the District Attorney for prosecution

E. Detainee Misconduct

1. Detainees engaging in sexual abuse shall be disciplined according to facility policy

2. Criminal cases shall be referred for prosecution

F. Protection Against Retaliation
 

Retaliation against any individual reporting sexual abuse is strictly prohibited and shall result in disciplinary action.

4.7.6 Compliance

Failure to comply with this policy may result in disciplinary action, up to and including termination and criminal prosecution where applicable.